In a significant development, Hamas has handed over the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages to the International Red Cross Committee on Monday, marking the end of their two-year captivity in Gaza. This transfer is part of a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and other mediators. Under the terms of the deal, Israel agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including 250 individuals sentenced to death and over 1,700 detainees from Gaza. Simultaneously, the bodies of four deceased hostages were transferred to Israeli authorities through the Red Cross, with Hamas indicating its readiness to hand over more remains. The freed hostages underwent medical examinations before being reunited with their families, an event met with profound emotion and relief across Israel. This agreement represents a critical step in easing tensions between the two sides, though challenges remain in achieving long-term peace.
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U.S. accuses former presidential advisor Fabio Jorge of international drug trafficking
Santo Domingo – Fabio Augusto Jorge-Puras, a former advisor to the Executive Branch in the Dominican Republic, has been dismissed by President Luis Abinader following his indictment by U.S. authorities on charges of international drug trafficking. The dismissal was formalized through Decree 273-25 in May, which revoked his 2020 appointment. Jorge-Puras, who also holds a financial executive position with the Águilas Cibaeñas baseball team, is accused alongside Gaspar Antonio Polanco-Virella, alias ‘El Grande,’ of involvement in a cocaine trafficking network spanning the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and other countries between 2019 and December 2020. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that the duo conspired to distribute and export cocaine to the United States. This case is part of a wider crackdown on transnational drug cartels, with potential extradition requests from the Dominican Republic being considered to bolster judicial cooperation.
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Morton charged on two counts of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses
In a recent development highlighting the rise in financial crimes involving women, Eustacia Morton from Stapleton Village, St. Peter’s, St. Kitts, has been formally charged with two counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses. The alleged offenses occurred between March 3 and August 27, 2025, according to local law enforcement. Morton was officially charged on October 1, 2025, at the Basseterre Police Station. This case underscores a concerning trend of increasing financial fraud cases in the region, particularly among female offenders. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help curb such crimes.
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Kanhai: Nog geen reactie op gratieverzoek 8 december veroordeelden
Irvin Kanhai, the prominent lawyer who has long represented Desi Bouterse in the December 8 trial, has confirmed that he submitted a pardon request for four individuals convicted in the case. However, he has yet to receive any response from the government. Kanhai asserts that the convictions were unjust. The individuals in question are Ernst Gefferie, Stephanus Dendoe, Benny Brondenstein—all currently serving their sentences in Santo Boma—and Iwan Dijksteel, who remains at large. Each was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2023.
Kanhai made these remarks during a National Democratic Party (NDP) commemoration event honoring what would have been Desi Bouterse’s 80th birthday. ‘Some time ago, I submitted a pardon request for these four individuals, whom I believe were wrongfully convicted and are our comrades,’ Kanhai stated. ‘We have heard nothing so far, but we remain determined.’
In his speech, Kanhai also addressed the strained relationship between Suriname and the Netherlands, advocating for transparency regarding historical events from the 1980s. ‘We also want a good relationship with the Netherlands. But when two friends have a dispute, and one cannot say, ‘Sorry, I hurt you,’ that friendship can never be restored. We hope the Netherlands will take that step.’
Ramon Abrahams, NDP’s deputy chairman and a former comrade of Bouterse, echoed Kanhai’s sentiments, reiterating that the party has always viewed the December 8 trial as politically motivated. He emphasized that the 2025 elections were intended to ‘free our comrades’ and reaffirmed the NDP’s unwavering stance on the matter.
Kanhai concluded his address with a personal message to Bouterse’s widow, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, and her family: ‘For me, I wish to close this chapter and, together with you, bring an end to the grieving process.’
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News : Zapping…
In a significant move to bolster national security, Haiti’s Defense Minister Jean Michel Moïse announced the acquisition of new heavy armored vehicles, including armored combat vehicles, to enhance the operational capabilities of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H). Additionally, the Air Force is set to receive new aircraft, marking a strategic diversification of military assets. This development underscores Haiti’s commitment to addressing internal security challenges. Meanwhile, in Mirebalais, the Haitian National Police (PNH) dealt a severe blow to the ‘Viv Ansanm’ terrorist coalition during a clash on October 12, 2025. The specialized units of the PNH successfully repelled an attack on police checkpoints, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the group to retreat. In another critical development, the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal appointed Magistrate Denis Cyprien as the new investigating judge in the high-profile case of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination. The court also ordered the continued detention of 51 individuals and sought international legal assistance from the United States and Canada. On the electoral front, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) conducted a training session for members of the Departmental and Municipal Electoral Bureaus to ensure probity in the upcoming elections. In sports, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and Transition Advisor Leslie Voltaire expressed their support for the Haitian national football team, the Grenadiers, following their defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both leaders emphasized resilience and unity, reflecting the nation’s enduring spirit. Lastly, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) saw a leadership change, with Jacques Desrosiers appointed as President, signaling a new chapter in Haiti’s electoral governance.
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St Lucy folk say ‘nuisance’ roads now a danger
Residents in St Lucy, particularly in areas like River Bay, Hope Road, and Crab Hill, are voicing their frustration over the dire state of their roads, which they describe as nearly impassable due to years of neglect and ongoing water main replacement projects. The combination of deep potholes, loose gravel, and eroding road edges has turned daily commutes into hazardous journeys, with many comparing the experience to a ‘daily test of endurance.’ Drivers are forced to navigate a precarious path, often zigzagging to avoid damage to their vehicles. The situation worsens after heavy rains, when water-filled potholes disguise their depth, making travel even more treacherous. Limited street lighting in some areas further compounds the problem, especially at night. Long-time resident Mark Toppin described the roads as ‘beyond ridiculous,’ highlighting the safety risks posed by crumbling infrastructure. Residents are now calling for urgent action from authorities, emphasizing that the issue is not merely an inconvenience but a pressing public safety concern. They urge the government to prioritize long-term road maintenance or, at the very least, provide temporary fixes to ensure safer travel. The plight of St Lucy mirrors broader struggles across Barbados, where many smaller communities continue to wait for road repairs while major highways and urban areas receive attention. For the people of St Lucy, the deteriorating roads are disrupting daily life, affecting vehicle maintenance, and posing significant safety risks, making immediate action imperative.
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Column: Wanneer gaat bij EBS het licht echt aan?
Suriname’s Energybedrijven Suriname (EBS) is currently embroiled in a storm of governance issues, internal tensions, and a growing lack of trust. The situation escalated when the union clashed with the management following the dismissal of union chairman Marciano Hellings. Despite rulings from both the Labor Inspectorate and the Dismissal Commission favoring Hellings, the management refused to accept the decision, leading to a highly charged atmosphere within the company.
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Government and NVIDIA sign memorandum to promote AI training, innovation, and research
In a landmark event held in Santo Domingo, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and NVIDIA, a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerated computing. This strategic collaboration is set to propel the implementation of the National AI Strategy, revolutionizing critical sectors of the nation through cutting-edge technologies.
The partnership zeroes in on pivotal areas such as health, education, transportation, public safety, finance, and tourism. By integrating AI solutions, the initiative aims to elevate public services, boost competitiveness, and champion sovereign and inclusive technological advancements. President Abinader hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, underscoring its potential to shape a future anchored in the nation’s people, talent, and innovation. He highlighted the transformative social impact of AI, ranging from expedited medical diagnoses to the development of smart cities, personalized education systems, and sustainable tourism practices.
Key components of the MoU include:
1. **Technological and Data Sovereignty**: Ensuring local hosting of AI models and infrastructure to promote national control over technological assets.
2. **AI Talent Development**: Cultivating homegrown expertise through initiatives like the Deep Learning Institute and the planned AI Academy.
3. **Center of Excellence**: Establishing the first-of-its-kind AI hub in Central America and the Caribbean, dedicated to research, education, and innovation, accessible to students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
4. **AI Training Programs**: Launching comprehensive training initiatives in collaboration with INFOTEP, with broader public and private sector involvement commencing in 2026.This agreement marks a decisive step in positioning the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in technological innovation. It underscores the nation’s commitment to digital sovereignty, smart solutions, and an AI-driven future. President Abinader described the partnership as the dawn of a new era of intelligence, innovation, and national progress.
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Abrahams kijkt uit naar voorstel gratie veroordeelden 8 december 1982
During a commemorative gathering of the National Democratic Party (NDP) on Monday evening, marking what would have been the 80th birthday of the late Desi Bouterse, Ramon Abrahams, the party’s vice-chairman and a former comrade of Bouterse, reflected on his legacy and the ongoing controversy surrounding the December 8 murders. Abrahams reiterated the NDP’s long-standing stance that the December 8 trial was politically motivated. ‘We, the NDP, have always maintained that the December 8 trial was and remains a political process. Remember that,’ Abrahams declared, echoing previous statements by the deceased party leader. He emphasized the party’s commitment to winning the 2025 elections to secure pardons for those convicted in the case. ‘I have personally stated on stage and in the media that we must win the 2025 elections to free our comrades,’ he added. Abrahams also posed a poignant question to the audience: ‘What if he were still alive? Would he still be in the jungle? Personally, I believe he would be standing beside Inke on July 16,’ referring to Bouterse’s widow. The NDP vice-chairman expressed concern for the current situation of the convicts serving their sentences in Santo Boma prison. ‘What is happening to our comrades in Boma and Mr. Dijksteel? Attorney Kanhai has submitted a request for clemency. All I can say is that he is doing his best,’ Abrahams noted. The event was attended by party chairwoman and President Jennifer Simons, party members, supporters, and guests who gathered to honor the legacy of the late former president.
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Symmonds casts moves to deepen CARICOM integration as historic milestone
Barbados has embarked on a transformative journey towards enhancing regional integration and mobility within the Caribbean. The nation’s Foreign Minister, Kerrie Symmonds, announced groundbreaking legislation that grants Barbadians the right to live and work in several CARICOM member states without the need for permits. This historic move, encapsulated in the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill, is being hailed as a monumental step for both current and future generations of Barbadians. Symmonds likened the initiative to the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States, emphasizing its potential to unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth. The legislation extends long-established rights within Barbados—such as the freedom to choose where to live and work—to countries including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Belize. Under this new framework, Barbadians will no longer require work permits to practice their professions in these territories. Symmonds underscored the bill’s significance by referencing the visionary aspirations of past Caribbean leaders, including Eric Williams, Forbes Burnham, Michael Manley, and Sir Grantley Adams, who championed regional integration and the dream of a unified Caribbean federation. While acknowledging the progress made, Symmonds also reflected on the delays in achieving full regional mobility, stating, ‘The shame is not that we have come this far. The shame is that we have not got further.’ This legislation marks a pivotal moment in the Caribbean’s ongoing quest for deeper unity and collaboration.