After years of delays and public scrutiny, the Government officially received the reconstructed St Jude Hospital on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s journey toward full operational readiness. Although the hospital is not yet prepared to admit patients, the handover ceremony symbolized the completion of extensive reconstruction efforts and the commencement of the final phase of preparation. The event was attended by government officials, hospital staff, contractors, and community supporters, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project. Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development, highlighted the hospital’s advanced features, including modern diagnostic capabilities, energy-efficient systems, and enhanced clinical workflows, designed to serve future generations. Hilaire emphasized that the handover signifies the start of critical tasks such as commissioning, staffing, and regulatory alignment to ensure a safe and efficient opening. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre reiterated that the reconstruction was guided by technical expertise rather than political considerations, addressing public skepticism and the challenges faced over the years. The hospital’s staff had operated from the George Odlum Stadium for 15 years following a fire that destroyed the original facility. Outgoing Vieux Fort South MP Kenny Anthony expressed relief, stating that the project’s completion marks the end of a long period of uncertainty and the beginning of a more confident future.
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Prosecutor’s Office creates specialized unit to combat illicit drug trafficking
In a significant move to address the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Dominican Republic has launched the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Illicit Drug Trafficking. This initiative, spearheaded by Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso, aims to enhance the nation’s capacity to dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering networks, seize illegal assets, and mitigate criminal activities that threaten public safety. The establishment of this unit, authorized under Article 53 of Law 133-11 by the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, builds on a strategy that has already yielded historic successes in drug seizures, micro-trafficking operations, and international collaboration.
Attorney General Reynoso highlighted the necessity of this specialized office in response to the increasingly sophisticated nature of criminal networks. She pointed out that traditional prosecution methods are inadequate in tackling modern trafficking, which leverages digital platforms, global distribution systems, and advanced techniques to hide illicit profits. The new unit will prioritize anticipating emerging trends, tracking digital assets, and fostering real-time international cooperation. By doing so, it aims to fortify the Dominican Republic’s ability to counter contemporary threats posed by synthetic drugs and cryptocurrency-based money laundering, ensuring a more robust and adaptive approach to combating drug trafficking.
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Ambassadeur Ricardo Panka: ‘Geen gewijzigd, maar hernieuwd beleid richting Nederland’
The swearing-in of Suriname’s new ambassador to the Netherlands, Ricardo Panka, has marked a significant shift in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Panka, representing the National Democratic Party (NDP), emphasized that Suriname will not tolerate external interference from The Hague. He stated that the renewed policy aligns with the principles upheld by Suriname under NDP-led governments, including the tenure of former President Bouterse. Panka acknowledged that this principled stance introduces challenges in the political relationship with the Netherlands, given their historical disagreements. However, he asserted that Suriname has the right to chart its own course based on equality within bilateral cooperation. Panka highlighted that the new policy aims to address neglected sectors from the previous administration, emphasizing the need for change. Before fully implementing his strategy, Panka plans to assess the organizational structures of the embassy and consulate in the Netherlands, addressing past complaints about customer service and accessibility. His priorities extend beyond diplomatic relations, focusing on cultural exchange, public health, education, and tourism. A key initiative is the establishment of a diaspora directorate to engage Surinamese communities abroad in national development. Panka also addressed pressing issues such as visa-free travel, high airline ticket prices on the Mid-Atlantic route, and broader aviation policies. He noted that the government has already reduced fees for the PSA pass (Persons of Surinamese Origin) but acknowledged the ongoing challenge of expensive airfares. Panka, a law graduate and seasoned diplomat, is set to present his credentials to King Willem-Alexander in the Netherlands.
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Tommy Descartes demands CIP accountability ahead of December 1 polls
Tommy Descartes, the United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for Castries South, has publicly challenged the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to provide a detailed account of the funds generated through the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). Speaking at a UWP rally on William Peter Boulevard, Descartes, a former chief economist in the Department of Economic Planning, raised concerns about potential under-reporting of CIP revenues. He pointed to the significant financial gains made by neighboring countries like Saint Kitts and Grenada through their CIP initiatives, suggesting that billions of dollars might be unaccounted for in Saint Lucia. Descartes emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the SLP must release the audited CIP report before the upcoming elections on December 1. Although Parliament has been dissolved, he insisted that the report should still be made public. Despite his call for accountability, Descartes expressed skepticism about the SLP’s willingness to disclose the figures, urging voters to hold the party accountable by voting them out of office.
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Dennery Segment artist Pablo backs UWP as ‘only party’ with a plan for creatives
Renowned Dennery Segment artist Kurtly Pablo made a significant political statement at a United Workers Party (UWP) rally on William Peter Boulevard, openly endorsing the party and criticizing the incumbent Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) for its alleged neglect of the creative sector. Pablo, a prominent figure in the Dennery Segment for the past eight years, accused the SLP administration of failing to provide adequate support to artists, despite the global recognition of Saint Lucian music. He emphasized the lack of a structured industry, which hinders artists from fully capitalizing on their international success. Pablo highlighted issues such as work permits and distribution deals as areas where creatives desperately need assistance. ‘Exposure without a plan doesn’t really work,’ he stated, arguing that artists often return home without tangible benefits after performing abroad. Pablo expressed confidence in the UWP, led by Allen Chastanet, as the only party committed to developing the Dennery Segment and the broader creative industry. He revealed that the UWP has already initiated collaborations with other Caribbean nations to strengthen the music sector. Pablo urged young Saint Lucians to support UWP candidates in the upcoming December 1 general election, asserting that a UWP-led government would provide the necessary resources to help artists thrive.
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APNU questions gov’t about border monitoring, law to register migrants for e-ID cards
In the aftermath of a devastating bombing at a Georgetown gas station last month, the opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has intensified its scrutiny of the government’s border monitoring and migrant management practices. APNU’s shadow home affairs minister, Sherod Duncan, has posed a series of pressing questions to the government, focusing on the security of border regions and the implementation of electronic identification (e-ID) cards for migrants.
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Column: Borrelpraat no. 898
In a recent discussion on education reform and teacher salaries, concerns were raised about the inflationary effects of salary increases and the broader implications for the education system. Marcelino N. der Kus, in an article published on Sterrennieuws, argued that while salary adjustments might provide temporary relief, they would not address the systemic issues plaguing the education sector. Instead, he emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms starting from the training of the next generation of teachers, as highlighted in Ivan Fernald’s latest book. The conversation also touched on the inefficacy of past educational conferences, which have often resulted in confusion, wasted time, and unused reports. To truly transform the education system, bold actions are required, such as reintroducing school fees, starting with higher education and gradually extending to lower levels. This measure, though politically unpopular, could ensure sustainable funding. Additionally, students enrolling in teacher training programs should receive substantial monthly allowances to focus solely on their studies, with the condition of repayment upon graduation. The discussion also highlighted the necessity of rigorous entrance exams for aspiring teachers, including proficiency in Dutch and English, and the ability to articulate current issues clearly. Experienced retired teachers and overseas specialists could play a crucial role in mentoring new educators. However, these reforms would require significant financial investment, new infrastructure, and a long-term commitment of 15 to 20 years. The government must explore new revenue streams, such as property taxes, and reduce subsidies to loss-making state enterprises to fund these initiatives. The conversation concluded with a call for decisive action rather than mere rhetoric, as the future of the education system hangs in the balance.
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Environment Ministry signs $300M MoU for ecological restoration
Santo Domingo – In a landmark move to bolster environmental sustainability, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mamaland Company SA, a subsidiary of the Mota-Engil Group. The agreement, valued at USD 300 million, focuses on ecological restoration, carbon credit initiatives, and conservation projects across the nation. This partnership underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in green finance and climate action. The MoU highlights comprehensive studies on degraded ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and protected areas, to inform targeted restoration and conservation strategies. Beyond environmental benefits, the collaboration aims to foster green employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, enhance institutional capacity, and provide training for rural communities. Dominican Ambassador to Portugal, Patricia Villegas de Jorge, played a pivotal role in facilitating this initiative, emphasizing its potential to position the country at the forefront of sustainable development in the Caribbean region.
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BRH : Training on financial market development
The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) recently spearheaded a pivotal training initiative aimed at bolstering the nation’s financial market infrastructure. On November 14 and 15, 2025, representatives from Savings and Credit Unions (CEC) in the Greater South region convened in Les Cayes to gain expertise in utilizing the Central Securities Depository (CSD). This advanced system, integral to the modernization of Haiti’s financial sector, operates in tandem with the Automated Transfer System (ATS) to enhance the registration, safekeeping, and transfer of securities, including Treasury bills. The ATS further ensures secure, real-time payment clearing and settlement, while optimizing liquidity management. This training is a cornerstone of the Financial Market Development Project, which seeks to modernize Haiti’s financial system, boost liquidity, bolster investor confidence, and democratize access to Treasury bills. By equipping CECs with the necessary skills, the initiative aims to empower them as effective Securities Account Keepers, elevate service quality, and pave the way for the successful implementation of the Financial Market Development project.
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Health : Towards the reconstruction of the L’Asile Community Referral Hospital
The L’Asile Community Referral Hospital (HCR) in Haiti’s Nippes Department, severely damaged by the devastating earthquake of August 14, 2021, has been operating in temporary spaces that are inadequate to meet the healthcare needs of the local population. Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to provide essential services. On September 14, 2025, a significant step was taken toward its reconstruction. Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont, Departmental Director of the Nippes Health Directorate (DSNI), alongside Carl Yvans Petit Frère, Project Management Unit Supervisor for the World Bank, and other officials, conducted a site visit to prepare for the tender process. This visit aimed to gather critical data for the demolition of damaged structures and the construction of a new, modern hospital center, a priority project of the Ministry of Public Health. In addition to the L’Asile Hospital, several other health infrastructure projects in Nippes are making progress. The Lomond Health Center is nearing completion, the Paillant Health Center is being reconstructed satisfactorily, and work on the Changeux Health Center is set to begin soon, with initial funding already disbursed. These initiatives underscore the DSNI’s commitment to enhancing the departmental health system, improving access to care, and building resilient infrastructure tailored to the needs of local communities.