LIAT Air has announced the launch of a new route to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, starting December 12. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to revive its regional network and enhance connectivity across the Caribbean. The new service will provide a direct link between Antigua and Santo Domingo, with one-way fares beginning at US$348, inclusive of taxes. In a social media post on Monday, LIAT described Santo Domingo as a ‘vibrant cultural hub’ and urged travelers to secure their bookings early via the airline’s website or customer service line. The introduction of this route represents a significant milestone for LIAT 2020 as it continues to re-establish key regional connections and strengthen its presence in the Caribbean market. This move is expected to boost tourism and economic ties between the two destinations, offering travelers more options for exploring the region.
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Frank Rainieri announces Los Manantiales overpass to open within weeks
Frank Rainieri, the visionary founder of the Puntacana Group, has revealed that the Los Manantiales Crossing overpass is set to be inaugurated within the next three to four weeks. Although the exact financial investment remains undisclosed, Rainieri highlighted that the project has been completed in record time, showcasing his company’s dedication to providing swift and impactful solutions for local communities. The overpass, developed through a collaborative public-private partnership, aims to enhance mobility and connectivity for surrounding areas while improving access to key destinations in the eastern region. Rainieri made this announcement during the International Conference on Tourism Cooperation, an event organized in the Dominican Republic by UN Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur). This initiative underscores the Puntacana Group’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and community welfare.
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NIA Cabinet to Host Special Press Conference on October 28
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Cabinet has announced a pivotal press conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The event will be held in the NIA Cabinet Room, situated on the second floor of the Social Security Building in Pinney’s Estate. Central to the discussion will be the Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Act of 2025, alongside a groundbreaking project proposed for Nevis. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The press conference will be accessible to a wide audience, with live broadcasts on multiple platforms, including Nevis Television (NTv) Channel 99, NevisTvOnline.com, the NTv Go App, the Nevis Television Facebook page, the Nevis Newscast YouTube channel, Voice of Nevis (VON) Radio, Freedom FM, and WINN FM. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend, and the public is encouraged to tune in for this significant announcement.
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Brewery president highlights over RD$17 billion invested since 2021
Santo Domingo – Fabián Suárez, President of the Dominican National Brewery (CND), revealed that the company has invested over RD$17.64 billion since 2021, a strategic move driven by the Dominican Republic’s economic stability and its attractiveness to foreign investors. Suárez emphasized that the cornerstone of AB InBev’s sustained investment in the country is the exceptional talent of the Dominican workforce, which has positioned the nation as a leading market in the Caribbean and beyond. His comments were made during the inauguration of the company’s new Logistics Transformation Hub, an event graced by President Luis Abinader. The state-of-the-art logistics center, a key component of CND’s 2021–2026 investment plan, spans 145,000 square meters on the Santo Domingo Beltway and represents an investment exceeding RD$2.9 billion. Designed for maximum operational efficiency, the facility can store 115 million beers, equivalent to 25 days of national demand, and is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs. This project complements the 44,000 jobs already supported by the beer industry nationwide, aiming to enhance production capacity, streamline distribution, and advance sustainability efforts to bolster national development. Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, Minister of Industry and Commerce, hailed the new hub as a testament to investor confidence in the Dominican economy, citing the country’s stable economic climate and record-breaking foreign direct investment, which reached US$4.523 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit US$5 billion by year-end. He also commended CND’s achievements in operating entirely on renewable energy, producing its own glass bottles, and maintaining a fully integrated supply chain.
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“Nevis Funds Resilience, Not Disasters”: NDMD Launches Disaster Community Communications Ambassadors on IDDR Day, 13th October
On October 13, 2025, the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) with the launch of the Disaster Community Communications Ambassadors (DCCA) program. The event, held at Charlestown’s Memorial Square, aligned with the global theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” and showcased NDMD’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and communication. The initiative aims to empower communities by training local communicators to disseminate accurate information before, during, and after disasters. The launch featured speeches from key figures, including Hon. Spencer Brand, Minister for Disaster Management, who emphasized the importance of investing in resilience through education and infrastructure. NDMD Director Brian Dyer highlighted the program as a transformative step in community-centered disaster governance, while Deputy Director Jacob Ngumbah introduced a seven-pillar framework for integrated disaster communications. The event also included parish representatives and an outdoor outreach activity, where ambassadors engaged the public with interactive quizzes and hurricane preparedness tips. The DCCA program underscores NDMD’s broader efforts to strengthen disaster communication in Nevis and the Caribbean, aligning with the Sendai Framework’s principles of empowerment and community participation.
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Fernald lanceert boek over onderwijsvernieuwing: ‘Van crisis tot perspectief’
Ivan Fernald, a prominent figure in Surinamese education, has launched his latest book, ‘From Crisis to Perspective: The Best Education for Every Student.’ The book was formally presented to Minister of Education, Science, and Culture Dirk Currie and Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin. Fernald’s work transcends a mere retrospective; it serves as a clarion call for the restoration and renewal of Suriname’s educational system. The author poses three pivotal questions: What went wrong in the reform process? What structural issues underpin the educational crisis? And how can the system be repaired and strengthened? Fernald critiques the 2020–2025 education policy, highlighting both its urgency and the fragility of its reforms. He argues that initiatives lacking adequate preparation, legal grounding, or structural support are destined to fail. The book is structured thematically, diagnosing the educational crisis, examining the role of teachers and curriculum, addressing the plight of disadvantaged students, and advocating for practical, hands-on education. In the final section, Fernald outlines a comprehensive recovery and transformation plan with actionable recommendations. He emphasizes that quality education is the cornerstone of socioeconomic progress and national development, urging for a national education agenda supported by political, societal, and educational stakeholders. Fernald’s policy proposals include the establishment of an Innovation Bureau to drive educational reforms, the creation of a Strategic National Education Council (SNOR) as an independent advisory body, a greater role for the Anton de Kom University and IOL in digital transformation, the qualification of the Interior as a stimulation area, and the reintroduction of the sixth-grade test (year 8) to better assess student support needs. Concluding his work, Fernald calls for collaboration: ‘What we need is not just innovation, but direction, continuity, and support. Only then can we truly turn the tide.’ ‘From Crisis to Perspective – The Best Education for Every Student’ is positioned as a guiding compass for policymakers, teachers, parents, and all who believe in the right of every child in Suriname to receive the best education.
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NIA Reinforces Transparency, Engages Religious Leaders on Proposed Destiny SSZ Project
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has taken a significant step toward fostering transparency and inclusivity in its proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) project. On October 14, 2025, Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley and the NIA Cabinet convened a meeting with religious leaders from across Nevis to discuss the ambitious development project. The session, held at the Four Seasons Resort conference room, included approximately 27 representatives from the Nevis Evangelical Association, the Nevis Christian Council, and non-denominational churches. This engagement underscores the NIA’s commitment to open dialogue and stakeholder involvement in evaluating the project, which is set to transform Nevis’ southern coast. During the meeting, Premier Brantley delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation detailing the project’s vision, development model, and anticipated economic benefits, including job creation, increased investment opportunities, and a boost in tourism and government revenues. Mr. Olivier Janssens, the lead developer, also addressed participants via video, providing additional insights. The Premier and Cabinet members addressed a range of concerns raised by attendees, including investor financing, environmental safeguards, land sales, access to beaches and heritage sites, waste management, and the utilization of Nevis’ geothermal resources. They also clarified the Environmental Impact Assessment process, land purchase and swap arrangements, and government oversight mechanisms. In a groundbreaking move, Premier Brantley announced that the finalized agreement between the NIA and developers will be made public, marking the first time such a development agreement will be fully disclosed in the Federation’s history. The agreement will require approval from the Nevis Island Assembly and ratification in the National Assembly, reflecting the administration’s dedication to good governance and accountability. Religious leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with the NIA and gain a deeper understanding of the project’s potential to benefit the people of Nevis through economic growth and employment. Premier Brantley thanked the attendees for their candid dialogue and encouraged continued participation as the NIA prepares for upcoming public town hall meetings. The Administration has already engaged with other key stakeholders, including the business community and opposition members, and plans further consultations with law enforcement and students. Developers aim to commence construction in 2026, pending all necessary approvals.
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Colombian President declines to attend Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced his decision to boycott the upcoming Summit of the Americas, scheduled for December in the Dominican Republic. In a statement posted on his X account, Petro cited the exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela from the event as the primary reason for his absence. He emphasized, ‘Dialogue does not begin with exclusions,’ underscoring his commitment to inclusive regional discourse. Additionally, Petro criticized the presence of U.S. military forces in Caribbean waters, viewing it as a contentious issue. The Colombian leader also disclosed that he had proposed a CELAC–U.S. meeting to discuss economic integration across the American continent. However, he lamented that Washington has yet to respond to this initiative or other related proposals presented to Latin American and Caribbean nations. Petro’s decision highlights growing tensions over regional diplomacy and the role of the United States in hemispheric affairs.
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New migration bill to ‘boost economy, population’
As Barbados’ Parliament deliberates the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill, political experts highlight the potential of regional labor mobility to address demographic challenges and stimulate economic growth. Peter Wickham, a prominent political scientist, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Barbados’ long-term economic objectives and regional integration commitments. ‘The Prime Minister has expressed a clear goal to significantly increase the population, and I fully support this strategy,’ Wickham stated. ‘There’s a direct correlation between population size and GDP growth. By attracting working-age individuals, we can enhance economic activity, bolster Social Security contributions, and create a win-win scenario.’ Wickham also refuted Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne’s claim that the bill is unrelated to the creation of a single market. ‘The notion that free movement of goods is more critical than labor mobility is misguided. In service-driven economies like ours, the movement of people is far more essential,’ he explained. He noted that Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are spearheading the agreement due to their political stability and underpopulation. ‘These countries share common advantages, and I hope others will follow suit in due course,’ Wickham added. Deveron Bruce, another political scientist, echoed the importance of population growth in sustaining economic vitality, particularly given Barbados’ declining birth rates. ‘We’ve observed a worrying trend in reduced birth rates and declining youth populations, which impacts economic sustainability,’ Bruce remarked. ‘Population growth is vital for maintaining demand, creating opportunities, and driving prosperity.’ However, Bruce cautioned that the policy must address wage competition concerns. ‘In sectors like home care and construction, there’s a risk of wage suppression if workers undercut local expectations. The government must proactively safeguard workers’ interests while promoting migration as a growth catalyst,’ he advised. Both experts agree that while regional labor mobility offers significant economic benefits, careful implementation is crucial to ensure equitable outcomes.
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Cops called out to handle school’s traffic as chaos leads to verbal clashes
The Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School in Government Hill, Barbados, is grappling with a persistent traffic management crisis that has escalated safety concerns and tensions among parents, staff, and students. In response, the Ministry of Educational Transformation has initiated urgent measures, including deploying police officers to the school premises on Wednesday morning as classes resume following a sudden one-day closure. Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles confirmed that at least two officers will be stationed to address the ongoing issues. The ministry is also conducting a comprehensive review of safety and traffic management protocols after reports of chronic congestion, verbal altercations, and gridlock during peak hours. Beckles emphasized the ministry’s commitment to finding both immediate and long-term solutions, stating that a formal report is being prepared for internal review. The school’s abrupt closure on Monday, attributed to “unforeseen circumstances,” left parents scrambling to collect their children. Julian Pierre, Vice-President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), revealed that the closure was prompted by staff shortages and a heated verbal confrontation between a parent and a teacher. During a two-and-a-half-hour meeting on Tuesday, staff voiced their concerns about daily traffic delays and verbal abuse from frustrated parents. Pierre urged parents to exercise patience and mutual respect during drop-off and pick-up times, emphasizing the need for peaceful cooperation. While no physical altercations were reported, the incident involving the teacher and parent remains under investigation. Teachers expressed appreciation for the ministry’s swift response and are hopeful for a prompt resolution to the ongoing challenges.