The Dominican Republic Embassy in Canada has officially inaugurated Dominican Week in Canada 2025, with a series of events set to take place in Ottawa and Toronto on October 15 and 16. This initiative is designed to highlight the nation’s leadership, economic vitality, cultural richness, and investment potential on a global stage. The opening ceremony, held in Ottawa, featured Ambassador José Blanco Conde, who underscored the event’s significance in positioning the Dominican Republic as a dependable and competitive partner for Canada. The celebration included cultural showcases, such as a presentation of Creole cuisine by acclaimed chef Dayanny de la Cruz, who was honored for her efforts in promoting Dominican gastronomy worldwide. Sculptor Juan Trinidad was also recognized for his contributions to advancing Dominican art and culture internationally. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe presented an official city proclamation, while Ambassador Blanco gifted a bust of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte to Ottawa City Hall, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. The Dominican delegation will participate in a packed agenda, including meetings with federal, provincial, and parliamentary leaders, as well as business executives. Key activities will feature panel discussions on air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and logistics, alongside a roundtable on critical minerals and rare earths. The delegation will also visit Bombardier’s aviation facilities. This year’s edition aligns with Hispanic Heritage Month and the Toronto Global Forum, serving as a strategic precursor to the 10th Summit of the Americas, which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in December.
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News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments across Haiti, the nation witnessed a mix of resilience, progress, and recognition on October 15, 2025. Businessman Cedrick Vorbe made headlines after successfully escaping a kidnapping attempt on Airport Road. Viral social media footage captured Vorbe opening fire on his captors, forcing them to flee. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, the Industrial Development Company (CODEVI) resumed operations after a two-week shutdown. Workers were instructed to arrive in uniform and with their ID cards, while law enforcement units were deployed to ensure peace and stability. In a symbolic move, all Cabinet Meetings will now be held at the National Palace, reaffirming the government’s presence in downtown Port-au-Prince. On the cultural front, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert was celebrated for receiving the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize, adding to his long list of accolades. The judicial system also saw progress, with the President of the Court of Cassation reviewing the past year’s achievements, including 1,097 decisions rendered by the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. Additionally, the United States announced its support for the Haitian National Police, funding the training of 892 new recruits to combat gang activity and restore stability.
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Belize Participates in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work and Social Justice
Belize played a pivotal role at the 20th American Regional Meeting (AmRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, in Punta Cana. The event, themed ‘Advancing Decent Work, Social Justice, and Inclusive Development,’ brought together over 300 delegates from across the Americas, including government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives. The Belize delegation was led by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, alongside key figures such as Mr. Valentino Shal, CEO, and Ms. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner. Representing employers was Ms. Kim Aikman, CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), while Ms. Ella Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), advocated for workers’ interests. The tripartite meeting focused on addressing critical labor issues, including job creation, social protection, and the transition from informal to formal employment. Delegates concluded the event by adopting the Punta Cana Declaration, a landmark commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and decent work. The declaration aligns with the ILO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle challenges such as inequality, informality, and climate-related employment shifts.
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Senators call on men to embrace new family leave rights
In a landmark move to redefine fatherhood and promote gender equality, Senators have urged men to fully utilize the newly passed Family Leave Bill. The legislation, described as a transformative opportunity, allows fathers to take three weeks of leave within the first six months of their child’s life, with at least two weeks to be used in the initial three months. Government Senator Lindell Nurse emphasized that this law is a call for men to embrace their roles as fathers, providing emotional support to mothers and fostering stronger family bonds. He cautioned against misusing the leave for leisure, stressing its purpose in nurturing family life. Independent Senator Roshanana Trim highlighted the Bill’s broader cultural impact, framing it as a step toward liberating men from outdated notions of masculinity and enabling them to participate fully in caregiving. She noted that the Bill challenges traditional gender roles, fostering a more balanced and dignified family dynamic. Senator Andwele Boyce praised the legislation but pointed to systemic delays in the court system that often hinder fathers from being present in their children’s lives. He called for urgent reforms to address these inefficiencies, emphasizing the importance of strong family structures for national development. Boyce also commended private sector entities that already support family care responsibilities, urging others to follow suit. The Family Leave Bill is seen not just as legislative progress but as a cultural shift toward recognizing care as a shared human responsibility, reshaping modern family life for the better.
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Construction advances on Santo Domingo’s Sports Boardwalk ahead of 2026 Games
Santo Domingo is set to witness a transformative urban development with the ongoing construction of the Sports Boardwalk, a flagship initiative under the Santo Domingo Integrated Plan. Spearheaded by Mayor Carolina Mejía and supported by President Luis Abinader, this project aims to revitalize 1.7 kilometers of the city’s iconic seawall. The first phase of the endeavor focuses on creating a vibrant public space that combines sports, leisure, and community engagement. Betsy Luciano, supervisor of the Infrastructure Department, recently provided updates on the project, emphasizing the installation of bleachers, beach volleyball courts, and two terraced food courts. Additionally, plans include the development of outdoor sidewalks, benches, and streetlights to enhance accessibility and aesthetics. Construction engineer Jorge Lerebours outlined further enhancements, such as the expansion and renovation of the parking lot, alongside the construction of a soccer field, paddle tennis court, amphitheater, and skate park. Mayor Mejía has projected that a significant portion of the Sports Boardwalk will be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the Central American and Caribbean Games, marking a milestone in the city’s urban renewal efforts.
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Brewster outlines plans for Central Leeward
Orlando Brewster, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Central Leeward and Minister of Housing, has laid out his comprehensive vision for the constituency as he seeks re-election for a second five-year term. Speaking at the Unity Labour Party (ULP) campaign launch in Layou, Brewster emphasized his commitment to transformative development, including the construction of new hotels, expanded scholarship programs, improved healthcare services, and extensive housing repairs across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He assured constituents that the ULP is the only party capable of delivering on its promises, stating, “You can put your pot on the fire and know this party will come true to help you.” Brewster also highlighted upcoming projects, such as housing developments for young professionals in Peters Hope, floodlit village tournaments in Layou, and the renovation of the Buccament Bay Playing Field to support local athletes. Addressing land scarcity in Layou, he revealed that the Prime Minister had instructed the chief surveyor to allocate additional lands in Ridge Side for development. Brewster further pledged to establish a state-of-the-art early childhood facility in Barrouallie to accommodate the area’s growing population. While acknowledging that not all housing repairs under the current program would be completed before the election, he vowed that the ULP would continue the rebuilding process if re-elected. Brewster’s campaign contrasts sharply with his opponent, Conroy Huggins of the New Democratic Party (NDP), whose “Vision 2025-2035” plan Brewster claims lacks transparency. The general election is anticipated by November 2025, ahead of the constitutional deadline in February 2026.
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Guyana balances peaceful Caribbean with battling transnational crimes
In the wake of a recent U.S. military operation in Caribbean waters that resulted in the destruction of a suspected drug vessel and the deaths of six individuals off Venezuela’s coast, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to regional peace and the fight against transnational crime. Speaking on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, President Ali emphasized Guyana’s dual focus: maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace’ while actively supporting efforts to dismantle illegal drug trade networks and other destabilizing activities. ‘We support every action and embrace every partnership to cripple transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilization that threatens the security of Guyana and this region,’ he declared. While not directly referencing the U.S. military deployment, President Ali underscored Guyana’s rejection of aggression and coercion, advocating instead for dialogue, international law, and collaborative efforts to address both traditional and non-traditional threats. He also highlighted Guyana’s determination to defend its sovereignty with the support of international allies, particularly in the face of territorial aggression. The President condemned recent attacks on Guyanese civilians and soldiers along the Cuyuni River, which borders Venezuela, and reiterated his government’s broader commitment to promoting peace and the rule of law across the region. Guyana’s stance aligns with the 33-member Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which has called for the region to remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago, a fellow CARICOM member, has openly supported the U.S.-led efforts against narco-trafficking, citing a decline in violent crime as a positive outcome.
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Economic struggles lead to increase in mental health cases
Barbados is witnessing a significant rise in mental health issues, driven by financial hardship and housing scarcity, according to Dr. Joy Sue, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Sue highlighted that depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent conditions she treats, often exacerbated by economic and social challenges. She emphasized that many patients are not on medication but rely on counseling to cope with their struggles, which frequently stem from financial instability and inadequate housing.
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In Too Cool’s trial, Bailey says ‘more care’ needed when dealing with mentally ill people
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, a key figure in crime prevention, emphasized the importance of exercising heightened care when dealing with individuals suffering from mental illness. His testimony came during the trial of Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, a prominent DJ and radio personality, who is facing charges of wounding in connection with the shooting of Kevin Patterson in Kingstown on July 4, 2024. Jones claims he acted in self-defense, alleging that Patterson was reaching for a weapon in his bag, which was later found to contain a knife and a box cutter. However, the prosecution argues that Jones’ actions were malicious and did not constitute self-defense. Bailey, summoned by the defense, shared insights into police protocols when interacting with mentally ill individuals. He noted that police recruits are trained by the Ministry of Health on how to handle such situations, and workshops are regularly conducted for frontline officers. Bailey stressed the need for calm communication and assured assistance when dealing with mentally ill persons, acknowledging that reasoning may not always be possible due to incoherence. He also discussed the use of licensed firearms, stating that their primary purpose is protection and crime prevention, and that any use of a firearm in such situations would be subject to investigation. The trial, presided over by Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie, is set for a verdict on December 10, with the possibility of an earlier decision.
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Training in Goede Agrarische Praktijken versterkt landbouw in Para
In observance of World Food Day, celebrated globally on October 16, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) organized a three-day training program for farmers in the Para district. The event, held from October 13 to 15, focused on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), a methodology aimed at promoting sustainable, safe, and efficient food production. The sessions took place in the multifunctional hall of the Para center and were led by LVV experts. Twelve farmers with at least five years of experience participated in the training, which emphasized improving production processes, food safety, and environmentally friendly cultivation methods. During the closing ceremony, LVV Deputy Director Maitrie Jagroep highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in strengthening the agricultural sector. ‘We are using this opportunity to exchange ideas and work together toward better food and a brighter future. Sustainable agriculture and certification are key concepts in this endeavor,’ Jagroep stated. The training underscores the ministry’s commitment to professionalizing and enhancing capacity within the agricultural sector. This initiative aligns with the goals of World Food Day, which this year is celebrated under the theme ‘Better Food for a Better Future.’