The Dominican Republic is set to host the XI Congress of the Legal Academies of Ibero-America from October 24 to 25, 2023. This significant event will bring together prominent legal minds and academics from across Latin America, including Dominican President Luis Abinader and Supreme Court President Henry Molina. Organized by the Permanent Conference of Ibero-American Legal Academies in collaboration with the Dominican and Puerto Rican Academies of Jurisprudence, the Congress will delve into critical legal and judicial issues. Key topics on the agenda include judicial efficiency, democracy, arbitration, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the legal profession. The academic program, curated by Flavio Darío Espinal, president of the Dominican Academy, features four panels and four thematic tables. These sessions will explore judicial independence, post-war international relations, and the challenges faced by emerging legal professionals. Supreme Court President Henry Molina will deliver a keynote address focusing on judicial efficiency and democracy, highlighting regional progress and obstacles in justice administration. The event will also feature distinguished jurists from Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, such as Silvia Carreño Coll, José Luis Seoane Spiegelberg, and Francisco Javier Gaxiola Fernández. The Congress will be broadcast live via Microjuris, Tirant Lo Blanch, and the National School of the Judiciary’s YouTube channels, ensuring widespread accessibility.
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Storm Melissa : Situation Report #1, Partial Assessment
Haiti is grappling with the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Melissa, as detailed in the Civil Protection Department’s Situation Report #1, released on October 22, 2025. The report, covering the period from October 21 to October 22, highlights the storm’s immediate effects and ongoing risks across multiple departments. Tragically, a 70-year-old man lost his life in Marigot, South-East, after being struck by a falling tree, while five individuals sustained injuries in Artibonite due to severe flooding. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with heavy rains triggering floods in Artibonite and Northwest departments, damaging farmland, livestock, and infrastructure. Landslides in Terre Neuve have further complicated transportation, particularly on the Maricolas-Dolan road. The Northeast department remains under unstable weather conditions, adding to the uncertainty. Forecasts predict intensified heavy rains in the southern half of Haiti, with estimates of 150-200 mm of rainfall, raising concerns of flash floods, landslides, and dangerous swells along the southern coast. Tropical Storm Melissa poses heightened risks to vulnerable communities, particularly in the Grand Sud and Ouest departments, where flooding and landslides could isolate populations and disrupt major roads. Coastal areas face additional threats from strong winds and swells exceeding 2 meters. In response, management committees are preparing shelters, with the Civil Protection Department urging heightened vigilance, preventive evacuations, and the closure of schools and large gatherings to mitigate risks. The situation demands immediate action to safeguard lives and minimize damage.
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Police renew appeal for public help as gun seizures rise
Barbados law enforcement has amplified its appeal to citizens for assistance in tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms, as recent statistics reveal a notable surge in the seizure of guns and ammunition this year. Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce disclosed during a press conference on Wednesday that authorities have confiscated 63 firearms so far in 2024, marking an increase from the 61 seized in the previous year. Additionally, 1,750 rounds of ammunition have been recovered this year, a significant jump from the 485 rounds seized last year. Boyce emphasized that while progress has been made, the fight against illegal firearms remains challenging, particularly due to the lack of actionable information from the public. He urged citizens to report any suspicious activities, stressing that timely information is crucial in preventing gun-related crimes. Boyce assured the public that the police would handle all tips with integrity, respecting individuals’ constitutional rights while ensuring the credibility of the information provided. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the police and border security agencies in curbing the influx of illegal arms. Despite advancements in technology and border management, Boyce pointed out that human factors, such as familial ties and personal incentives, remain the weakest link in securing borders. He commended customs and port authorities for their efforts but underscored the need for stricter oversight of human elements to bolster border security.
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Health Ministry urges preventive measures to avoid disease outbreaks amid Tropical Storm Melissa
In response to the ongoing threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Ministry of Public Health in Santo Domingo has issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing the need for stringent preventive measures to curb potential outbreaks of respiratory, diarrheal, and vector-borne diseases. The ministry highlighted that the heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the storm could create ideal conditions for the spread of illnesses such as influenza, dengue, leptospirosis, and acute diarrheal infections. ‘Families play a crucial role in safeguarding their health during such times. Simple yet effective actions like ensuring clean water, covering food, and maintaining personal hygiene can make a significant difference,’ the ministry stated. Key recommendations include purifying water by adding five drops of chlorine per gallon or boiling it before use, thoroughly washing fruits, vegetables, and kitchen utensils, avoiding contact with stagnant water or bathing in the rain, and frequent handwashing with soap and water, particularly before handling food.
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San Felipe Fire Claims Two More Lives; Community Demands Action on Domestic Violence
The small village of San Felipe in Belize is reeling from a devastating tragedy that has reignited urgent calls for action against domestic violence. On October 22, 2025, a horrific house fire claimed the lives of Angelita Magana, 35, her six-year-old son Tishan Godoy, and her seventeen-year-old daughter Shadia Magana. The blaze, deliberately set by Angelita’s former partner Francisco Godoy, also claimed his life and left two others injured. Godoy, who had recently been released from prison for domestic violence offenses, allegedly doused the home in gasoline before igniting the fire. Angelita had sought a restraining order but was unable to obtain one due to court closures, leaving her vulnerable to the attack. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and outrage, with communities across Belize rallying to support the Magana family. Schools, including St. Michael R.C. School and Belize High School of Agriculture, have organized fundraisers and awareness campaigns, while the government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on domestic violence. Health Minister Kevin Bernard emphasized the need for collective action to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The Magana family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support as they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.
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Health Minister Links Substance Abuse to Domestic Violence
In a recent address, Health Minister Kevin Bernard emphasized the critical link between substance abuse and domestic violence, advocating for stricter legislation to address the issue. Minister Bernard highlighted how alcohol, drugs, and tobacco impair judgment and escalate aggression, contributing to gender-based violence. He expressed profound concern over recent domestic violence tragedies, including the shocking case of a woman murdered and placed in a dirt drum, calling them a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change. The Minister stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with organizations like the National Drug Abuse Council (NDAC) to push for laws curbing substance abuse. He also underscored the necessity of providing greater support to families and women to prevent such incidents. Minister Bernard urged all stakeholders to take responsibility and work collectively to create a safer, healthier society.
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Ricardo Escobar Fatally Shot in Late-Night Attack in Port Loyola
The quiet streets of Port Loyola in Belize City were shattered by a tragic act of violence late Tuesday night. At approximately 10:45 PM, gunfire erupted on Nurse Findley Crescent, claiming the life of 38-year-old Ricardo Arturo Escobar. According to police reports, Escobar was ambushed by an unidentified assailant who fired multiple shots, striking him in the chest, arms, and back. Despite being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Escobar succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Authorities are now intensifying their efforts to locate the shooter, who fled the scene immediately after the attack. The incident has left the community in shock, as investigators work tirelessly to uncover the motive behind this heinous crime. As the search for the perpetrator continues, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
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David Cruz Appeals Life Sentence in Roaring Creek Murder Case
A significant legal battle is underway at the Court of Appeal as David Cruz, convicted for the 2020 murder of Roaring Creek resident Timroy Neal, seeks to overturn his life sentence. The crime, which occurred in broad daylight near the Roaring Creek Police Station, shocked the community. Cruz, then 25, was found guilty three years later and sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 30 years. His defense attorney, Leroy Banner, contends that the conviction was flawed, citing reliance on a ‘dock identification’—where a witness identifies the accused in court without proper safeguards—as a critical error. Banner argues this led to an unfair trial and is pushing for the conviction to be quashed entirely, bypassing a retrial. In contrast, Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal maintains that the trial adhered to legal standards, emphasizing the inclusion of surveillance footage as key evidence. After extensive arguments, the judges have reserved their decision, leaving Cruz incarcerated for now. The outcome of this appeal could dramatically alter Cruz’s future.
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Belize Moves Toward WHO Tobacco Standards
Belize is taking significant strides toward aligning its tobacco control measures with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Health Minister Kevin Bernard has introduced a comprehensive Tobacco Control Bill aimed at safeguarding public health and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke. The proposed legislation includes measures such as smoke-free public spaces, plain packaging for tobacco products, stringent advertising restrictions, and the establishment of a national body to oversee tobacco control efforts. Despite Belize signing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005, the country has yet to implement comprehensive smoke-free laws. Minister Bernard emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, ‘It’s never too late to act. We need to protect our citizens, especially our youth, from the devastating effects of smoking.’ He also highlighted the importance of public support and the need to balance public health with economic considerations. The bill represents a critical step toward fulfilling Belize’s long-standing commitment to the FCTC and addressing the region’s tobacco control challenges.
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KHMH CEO to Step Down, Leadership Search Begins
A significant leadership transition is underway at Belize’s largest healthcare institution, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Chandra Nisbet-Cansino, who has served as CEO since 2021, has decided not to renew her contract, which is set to expire in the coming months. This decision marks the beginning of a search for new leadership to steer the hospital forward. While Health Minister Kevin Bernard clarified that he is not directly involved in board decisions, he acknowledged that the Ministry of Health maintains representation through CEO Julio Sabido, who sits on the KHMH board. Minister Bernard emphasized that the board has already convened to draft the terms of reference for the upcoming recruitment process. He expressed optimism about finding a suitable successor swiftly and extended his best wishes to Ms. Nisbet-Cansino for her future endeavors, noting her significant contributions to the hospital and her roles in other organizations. This leadership change raises questions about the future direction of KHMH and its impact on Belize’s healthcare system.