Santo Domingo – In a significant move to protect consumer rights, the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has initiated a large-scale monitoring operation for ticket sales to Bad Bunny’s upcoming concerts. The highly anticipated events are set to take place on November 21 and 22 at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. Pro Consumidor’s initiative seeks to ensure fair practices and safeguard the economic interests of concertgoers. Executive Director Eddy Alcántara emphasized that the operation will involve teams from the Inspection, Surveillance, Advertising, and Prices departments, who will oversee the entire sales process from Friday through the concert dates. The monitoring effort aims to identify and prevent any practices that could violate consumer rights, as outlined in Law 358-05, which grants Pro Consumidor authority over national market surveillance. Alcántara revealed that the institution has already engaged with all stakeholders to preempt potential violations. Additionally, Pro Consumidor inspectors will be stationed at stadium entrances during the concerts to supervise ticket verification and ensure a smooth, transparent entry process for attendees.
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OM stelt hoger beroep in tegen beslissing Rechter-Commissaris over inverzekeringstelling Torilal
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has filed an appeal against the decision of the examining magistrate (Rechter-Commissaris, RC) that deemed the detention of businessman Ryan Torilal on November 14, 2025, unlawful. This appeal has delayed Torilal’s release by three days, adhering to legal procedures. The case will now proceed to a higher court, with a date yet to be determined. Torilal is suspected of involvement in attempted fraud and forgery, allegedly using falsified documents in 2023 to persuade the government to pay SRD 86 million for a cattle delivery that never occurred. The scheme was uncovered by the Central Government Accounting Service (CLAD), which detected irregularities and halted the payment. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) initiated an internal investigation, revealing that cattle from the ministry had been sold without the proceeds reaching the state treasury. Additionally, the LVV director reportedly leased parts of the state farm to Torilal without formal approval since 2022 and signed documents falsely claiming entitlement to the SRD 86 million payment. The OM awaits further proceedings in the higher court.
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U.S. Moves Major Warship Into Caribbean
In a significant military maneuver, the United States has deployed its most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. The move, described by Washington as part of a counterdrug mission, represents the largest display of American military force in the region in recent years. However, the deployment has raised eyebrows, as aircraft carriers are typically not utilized for anti-drug operations but rather for exerting political pressure on governments. The timing of this deployment has drawn particular attention to Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with the U.S. Maduro has accused Washington of fabricating a crisis to destabilize his government and has responded by mobilizing troops in preparation for potential attacks. The Trump administration has framed the mission as a crackdown on drug smugglers, but the sheer scale of the operation—nearly a dozen warships and approximately 12,000 personnel—has led to speculation about broader geopolitical motives. Since September, U.S. strikes on small boats in the region have reportedly resulted in at least 80 fatalities, though Washington has yet to provide evidence linking those killed to drug cartels. According to CBS News, senior Trump administration officials convened three times this week to deliberate military options concerning Venezuela. President Trump remained cryptic about the details, stating only, ‘I sort of have made up my mind.’ The situation continues to escalate, with regional tensions reaching a critical juncture.
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St Lucy extends winning streak in Spirit of the Nation show
The Wildey Gymnasium was filled with unbridled joy on Saturday night as St Lucy’s Kimani Greaves and Shalia Morris were crowned the Most Outstanding Parish Ambassadors at this year’s Spirit of the Nation show. This marked the parish’s fifth consecutive victory, a feat that came with its own set of trials. Shemila Scantlebury, Chairperson of the St Lucy Parish Independence Committee, reflected on the journey, describing it as both demanding and rewarding. ‘This year was far from easy, especially after four straight wins. The pressure was immense, but the support and mentorship we received kept us grounded,’ she shared. Scantlebury credited her mentor, Ms. Janice Springer, for providing the encouragement needed to persevere. ‘Her words reminded me of our purpose and the importance of staying true to our mission,’ she added. Shalia Morris, one half of the winning duo, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the personal and professional growth she and her partner experienced. ‘The challenges were real, but we stayed focused, knowing that hard work would eventually pay off,’ Morris said. The competition also saw strong performances from other parishes, with St Peter’s Nakim Wahid and Deandra Gibson securing fourth place, St Thomas’ Christian Atherly and Amyah Cox taking third, and St George’s Shaquan Marshall and Nicole Sealy finishing second. Additionally, St George’s duo won the inaugural Jacqueline Marshall-Clarke Award for Best Public Speaking. Other notable achievements included Weslon Samuels winning the Minister’s Award in the Parish Talent segment, and St Michael and St Peter taking home the Designer Award for Best Formal Wear and the Best Costume Award, respectively. The event was a celebration of talent, resilience, and community spirit, showcasing the best of Barbados’ cultural heritage.
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Hurricane Melissa exposes brutal reality
The Caribbean, a region perpetually on the frontline of climate change, is grappling with the harsh realities of innovative financial instruments designed to mitigate disaster impacts. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, recently devastated Jamaica and neighboring islands, exposing the limitations of catastrophe bonds—a sophisticated financial tool aimed at transferring climate risk to global capital markets. These bonds, which release funds based on predefined storm metrics, failed to trigger despite the widespread destruction, highlighting a critical gap between theoretical models and on-the-ground realities. This incident underscores the broader challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which bear the brunt of climate change while contributing minimally to global emissions. The paradox of climate finance innovation lies in its inability to address the root causes of the crisis, leaving SIDS trapped in a cycle of debt and disaster. As the Caribbean pioneers resilience strategies, the global community must confront the moral and financial imperatives of climate justice, ensuring that innovation is matched by equitable action.
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Meer dan 3.000 deelnemers bij succesvolle DSB Bigi Yari Run
The DSB Bigi Yari Run, held last Saturday, proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 3,000 participants to the streets of Paramaribo. Organized by De Surinaamse Bank (DSB) to commemorate its 160th anniversary, the event aimed to give back to the community while promoting health and wellness. Gail Chin On, representing DSB, expressed delight at the overwhelming turnout, stating, ‘We wanted to do something meaningful for society on this milestone occasion, and we couldn’t have asked for a better response.’ The event featured a 6-kilometer walk for casual participants, alongside competitive 5K and 10K races for seasoned runners. Notably, the 10K races were dominated by international athletes, with Ruben Lindongo of France and Jelesa Wright of Guyana clinching top honors in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The event commenced and concluded at the DSB headquarters, with Chin On hinting at more upcoming celebrations, including the traditional Kresneti Fatu and the inaugural DSB Owru Yari New Year’s Eve festivities. A portion of the registration proceeds will be donated to beneficiaries, to be announced soon. The DSB Bigi Yari Run not only celebrated the bank’s legacy but also fostered community spirit and athletic excellence.
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MP champions love and community spirit in crime fight
In response to escalating violent incidents across Barbados, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey has issued a heartfelt appeal for Barbadians to prioritize love and unity in their communities. Speaking during a ‘Love Walk’ in his St Michael South constituency on Saturday, Humphrey emphasized the need to reshape the narrative surrounding local neighborhoods.
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Suspected cattle rustler among several arrested
In a series of coordinated operations on Sunday morning, the Guyana Police Force apprehended four individuals in the areas of Plaisance and Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Among those arrested was a 32-year-old taxi driver from North Sparendaam, who is suspected of cattle rustling. Authorities have yet to release extensive details about his alleged activities.
In a separate incident, a 33-year-old construction worker from Vryheid’s Lust was detained for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm. Additionally, two other individuals were arrested during a raid on a property in Better Hope South, where suspected marijuana was discovered. One of these individuals is a 26-year-old gold miner from Britton Street, Plaisance, while the other is a 48-year-old construction worker from Better Hope South.
Police reported that 248 grams of suspected narcotics were found on the gold miner, while 63.5 grams were discovered in a wardrobe belonging to the construction worker. Both were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the substances were weighed and logged as evidence. Furthermore, 1,411 grams of suspected marijuana were found concealed in a black plastic bag hidden among vegetation in a yard on Britton Street, Plaisance.
The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address various criminal activities in the region, including theft, illegal firearm use, and drug-related offenses.
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FLASH : Barbecue warns the population of the imminent start of a major counter-offensive by «Viv Ansanm» (video)
Haiti is bracing for a potentially violent confrontation as Jimmy Chérizier, known by his alias ‘Barbecue,’ the leader of the ‘Viv Ansanm’ terrorist coalition, has issued a stark warning to the public. In a video message, Chérizier urged citizens to remain indoors starting Monday, November 17, 2025, as his group prepares to launch a major counter-offensive against law enforcement in the streets of Port-au-Prince. He emphasized the need to avoid civilian casualties, stating, ‘Leave the streets to ‘Viv Ansanm’ and the police so that we can confront them.’ The Haitian National Police (PNH) has taken the threat seriously, suspending all leave and vacations since November 16 and maintaining a high state of alert. The French Embassy in Haiti has also announced its closure on November 17 as a precautionary measure. This development follows a recent large-scale joint operation by the PNH, the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H), and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) against the ‘400 Mawozo’ gang, which has long held the communes of Tabarre and Croix-des-Bouquets hostage. Chérizier’s message underscores the escalating tensions in Haiti, as the country grapples with widespread gang violence and instability.
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Taxi fare dispute leads to seizure of illegal gun
A heated dispute over a taxi fare escalated into a serious criminal incident in Mabaruma, Guyana, leading to the seizure of an illegal firearm and the arrest of two suspects. According to the Guyana Police Force, the incident unfolded on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when a 50-year-old taxi driver was allegedly assaulted and threatened by a passenger who brandished a handgun during a disagreement over the fare. The driver promptly reported the incident to the authorities. In response, police launched an early morning operation on Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulting in the detention of two construction workers, aged 21 and 23, from Parika, East Bank Essequibo. During subsequent investigations, one of the suspects guided officers to a bushy area in Mabaruma, where a .22 caliber pistol, believed to have been used in the altercation, was recovered. The firearm has been secured as evidence, and both individuals remain in custody while the investigation continues. This incident highlights the dangers faced by taxi drivers and the ongoing challenges of illegal firearms in the region.