Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, threatens to unleash catastrophic damage on the island. The storm’s approach has sparked widespread concern, particularly among the Dominican community residing in Jamaica, as reported by Listín Diario. Evelyn Abreu, a Dominican journalist based in Kingston for seven years, highlighted the palpable anxiety among residents. She emphasized Jamaica’s vulnerability due to its fragile soil and compact size, which heighten the risks of severe flooding, landslides, and structural damage. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned of relentless heavy rains and powerful winds, exacerbating fears of widespread destruction. In preparation, supermarkets across the island have witnessed frantic panic buying, with essential items like bread, meat, and sausages rapidly disappearing from shelves. Residents are stockpiling canned goods and water, while many are fortifying their homes with wood and tape to shield windows and doors. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has suspended operations, leaving numerous tourists stranded. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has mobilized the government to ensure maximum preparedness, halting construction projects and clearing debris to mitigate risks. Schools remain closed indefinitely as the storm continues to batter the island with torrential rains and turbulent seas. Forecasters predict conditions will deteriorate further as Melissa edges closer, leaving Jamaica bracing for the worst.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Arajet launches Punta Cana–Orlando Sanford route
Arajet, a prominent airline, has officially launched its new international route linking Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic and Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida. This development positions Arajet as the sole carrier currently offering international flights from the U.S. terminal. The route will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—providing seamless connectivity between Central Florida and key Latin American cities such as Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Mexico City, Córdoba, and Lima. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dominican Consul General in Orlando Domingo Rosario and Orlando Sanford Airport President Nicole Martz, both of whom lauded the initiative. They emphasized its significance in fostering stronger bilateral ties between the Dominican Republic and Florida and in revitalizing international operations at the airport. This strategic move is expected to enhance travel convenience and boost tourism and economic exchanges between the regions.
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Ozama River floating bridge reopens after cleanup following Hurricane Melissa
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) in Santo Domingo has officially reopened the floating bridge over the Ozama River to vehicular traffic. The reopening follows extensive cleanup operations that removed lilacs and other debris deposited on the bridge by recent heavy rains. MOPC crews worked tirelessly to ensure the bridge was safe for public use, restoring smooth passage between Santo Domingo Este and the National District. The bridge had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure during Hurricane Melissa. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude to citizens for their patience and reiterated its dedication to maintaining and safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.
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Celebrity Xcel to arrive in Puerto Plata at year’s end
Santo Domingo – Celebrity Cruises has officially welcomed its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship is scheduled to commence operations in November 2024, offering seven innovative onboard spaces and a series of seven-night inaugural voyages from Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will alternate between destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Caribbean hotspots including Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In a strategic expansion, the Celebrity Xcel will make its European debut in summer 2026, featuring seven- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona and Athens. These voyages will introduce new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, enhancing the travel experience. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, hailed the Celebrity Xcel as a transformative milestone in premium travel, emphasizing the Edge Series’ cutting-edge design and unparalleled onboard offerings. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the ship’s guest-centric development through the Xcel Dream Makers program, ensuring a tailored and exceptional experience for global travelers.
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Dominican Trade Union calls on government to support ending U.S. blockade of Cuba
In Santo Domingo, the Unión Clasista de Trabajadores (Classist Union of Workers) has issued a compelling appeal to President Luis Abinader, urging him to reaffirm the Dominican Republic’s stance against the longstanding U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba. This embargo, in effect since 1962, has been widely criticized as a violation of the United Nations Charter. Juan Núñez, the union’s Secretary General, highlighted the severe repercussions of the blockade, which has inflicted profound hardships on the Cuban population for over six decades. The restrictions have severely limited access to essential goods such as medicines, food, medical equipment, raw materials, and machinery, while also crippling international trade and hindering sustainable development. The union expressed unwavering solidarity with Cuban workers, citizens, and their government in their ongoing struggle to lift the blockade. Furthermore, they called on the Dominican government to uphold its support for Cuba, aligning its actions with both the Dominican Constitution and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
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Five Dominican players named finalists for 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award
Five standout Dominican players—Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Julio Rodríguez, Jorge Polanco, and Jéremy Peña—have been named finalists for the prestigious 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award. This accolade recognizes the most exceptional offensive performers at each position in Major League Baseball (MLB), celebrating their remarkable contributions to the game. Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman, emerged as a dominant force this season, smashing 45 home runs, driving in 110 RBIs, and maintaining a .264 batting average, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most formidable hitters. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman, delivered consistent offensive prowess with 23 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .292 average. Julio Rodríguez, the Seattle Mariners’ center fielder, achieved a rare 30-30 season, combining 30 home runs with 30 stolen bases, alongside 95 RBIs and a .267 average. His teammate, second baseman Jorge Polanco, bolstered Seattle’s infield with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .265 average. Meanwhile, Houston Astros shortstop Jéremy Peña showcased maturity and consistency, finishing the season with a .304 batting average, 17 home runs, and 62 RBIs. The Silver Slugger Award winners, determined by votes from MLB managers and coaches, will be unveiled in the coming weeks, spotlighting the league’s elite hitters.
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Dominican Republic partners with Ghana to improve prison system
In a significant step toward enhancing its penitentiary system, the Dominican Republic has entered into a groundbreaking international cooperation agreement with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and Fordham University’s Leitner Center for International Law and Justice. The pact, formalized at the National Palace’s Los Trinitarios Hall, aims to drive prison reform, bolster human rights, and strengthen legal and technical training within the country. The agreement was signed by key figures including Roberto Santana, Presidential Advisor on Penitentiary Services; Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, Dean of GIMPA’s School of Law; and Paolo Galizzi from Fordham University. The event also saw the presence of Dr. Diana Asonabo Dapaah, former Deputy Minister of Justice of Ghana. Coordinated through the National Office for Support to Penitentiary Reform (ONAPREP), the collaboration will focus on joint research, academic exchanges, and specialized training for prison personnel. It also seeks to draw inspiration from Ghana’s remarkable success in reducing pretrial detention rates from 68% to below 15% within three years. Furthermore, the partnership will organize an International Conference on Human Rights, the Penitentiary System, Global Challenges, and Good Practices, bringing together global experts to share insights and foster sustainable justice reforms. The three-year agreement, with provisions for automatic renewal, will be managed by an Interinstitutional Coordination Committee, with Dr. Juan Dionicio Rodríguez representing the Dominican Republic.
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U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo resumes consular services
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced the resumption of both routine and emergency consular services, effective this Monday. This decision comes after the Emergency Operations Center (COE) downgraded the alert level in Santo Domingo province from red to yellow. In a statement shared on the embassy’s official Instagram account, officials confirmed that the Visa Assistance Center at Sambil will also reopen and resume normal operations. The embassy attributed this move to the improved weather conditions and the diligent monitoring of Hurricane Melissa by local authorities. However, the embassy issued a warning, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa remains a potent and unpredictable storm. It could still bring heavy rainfall and localized damage to certain areas of the Dominican Republic in the days ahead. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather developments.
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Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions
Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader has announced the lifting of preventive measures across most of the Dominican Republic following the departure of Hurricane Melissa, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. However, four provinces—Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia—remain under red alert due to lingering risks from the hurricane’s indirect effects.
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Cruise tourism: Puerto Plata surpasses 1.9 million visitors through September
Puerto Plata’s Amber Cove and Taíno Bay maritime terminals have achieved a significant milestone, welcoming 1.9 million cruise passengers by September 2025. This accomplishment solidifies the province’s status as the Dominican Caribbean’s leading cruise destination. Despite a minor slowdown in growth during the latter part of the year, the terminals have demonstrated robust performance in attracting maritime tourists. In 2024, the terminals collectively hosted 2.6 million passengers, with projections for 2025 estimating between 2.6 and 2.7 million arrivals, maintaining the record-breaking figures of the previous year. A sector insider noted that the passenger numbers will remain close to past records, with only a marginal 4% difference, as growth has plateaued in recent months. Operated by Carnival Corporation and the ITM group, respectively, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay have become pivotal in revitalizing the northern region’s tourism economy, creating numerous jobs and generating substantial revenue. Puerto Plata, affectionately dubbed ‘The Bride of the Atlantic,’ continues to enhance its allure as a top Caribbean cruise destination, offering pristine beaches, captivating excursions, state-of-the-art port facilities, and the renowned hospitality of its people.