Carib Scope

标签： Dominican Republic

多米尼加共和国

  • Public Health activates cholera prevention protocol amid outbreak in Haiti

    Public Health activates cholera prevention protocol amid outbreak in Haiti

    Santo Domingo – In response to the recent cholera outbreak in neighboring Haiti, the Dominican Republic has implemented comprehensive prevention and surveillance protocols to safeguard public health. Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah revealed that the government has intensified epidemiological monitoring in border regions, with support from the Ministries of Defense and Immigration. A team of 86 health professionals has been deployed to conduct water quality tests, distribute hygiene kits, and provide educational materials in both Creole and Spanish. Additionally, medications have been prepared for potential suspected cases, though none have been reported so far.

    Minister Atallah confirmed that no active cholera cases have been detected within the country. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought heavy rains and widespread flooding, has prompted health authorities to enhance nationwide surveillance. This effort aims to curb the spread of water- and vector-borne diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, dengue, and respiratory infections. The Ministry is collaborating with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), INDRHI, and regional water authorities to ensure clean water supply and strengthen chlorination and disinfection systems.

    Citizens have been advised to adopt precautionary measures, including avoiding contact with stagnant or contaminated water, boiling water before consumption, covering storage containers, and maintaining proper hygiene. The Ministry is conducting daily monitoring of high-risk provinces and sampling water sources as part of the national health response plan. Atallah emphasized that the government’s primary focus is on protecting lives and preventing disease, underscoring the importance of prevention and public cooperation during the post-hurricane recovery phase.

  • Government evaluates Hurricane Melissa damage to determine possible state of emergency

    Government evaluates Hurricane Melissa damage to determine possible state of emergency

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that the government is actively assessing the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa to determine the necessity of declaring a state of emergency. Such a declaration, which would require congressional approval for additional funding, hinges on the ongoing evaluation of the storm’s lingering effects. Abinader stressed that the full impact of the hurricane, which brought torrential rains, widespread flooding, and significant property damage across the nation, is still being analyzed.

    In a public address, the president reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting affected families and communities. “As we have demonstrated in past storms, we stand firmly with our people and will not abandon them in their time of need,” he declared. Emergency response teams are currently deployed in the hardest-hit regions, providing aid and assessing infrastructural damage.

    According to the latest update from the Emergency Operations Center (COE), the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left 3,785 individuals displaced, 737 homes damaged, and critical infrastructure such as two roads and two bridges compromised. Additionally, 38 people remain in shelters, and 48 communities are isolated due to the storm’s devastation. Hurricane Melissa, the 13th cyclone of the Atlantic hurricane season, has already claimed one life in the Dominican Republic, further exacerbating the region’s challenges in a year marked by a series of destructive storms.

  • Dominican and Israeli authorities launch joint risk management training in Israel

    Dominican and Israeli authorities launch joint risk management training in Israel

    The Israeli Embassy in the Dominican Republic, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (Mispas), has facilitated the participation of a multidisciplinary Dominican team in the international course “Emergency Situations Management.” This training, scheduled from October 19 to 31, 2025, in Israel, is a joint effort supported by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mispas’s Department of Risk Management and Environmental Health. The initiative underscores the deepening collaboration between the two nations in emergency healthcare and disaster response. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum on emergency management, encompassing hospital and community response systems, coordination with security forces, and strategies for community resilience. Participants will engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, focusing on mass casualty incidents, hazardous materials management, and hospital organization. Additionally, they will exchange insights with Israeli health authorities, rescue teams, and hospitals to bolster national and international crisis response capabilities. The delegation includes representatives from key Dominican institutions such as Mispas, the National Emergency Operations Center (COE), the Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Assistance (DAEH), the Dominican Red Cross, the National Police Hospital, Plaza de la Salud General Hospital, and the Dominican Air Force. The Israeli Embassy emphasized that this initiative enhances bilateral cooperation in public safety and health preparedness. Mispas further highlighted that the knowledge acquired will be disseminated nationwide to refine hospital response plans, rapid action protocols, and inter-institutional coordination.

  • Dominicans in Jamaica brace for Hurricane Melissa

    Dominicans in Jamaica brace for Hurricane Melissa

    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.

  • Arajet launches Punta Cana–Orlando Sanford route

    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.

  • Ozama River floating bridge reopens after cleanup following Hurricane Melissa

    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.

  • Celebrity Xcel to arrive in Puerto Plata at year’s end

    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.

  • Dominican Trade Union calls on government to support ending U.S. blockade of Cuba

    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.

  • Five Dominican players named finalists for 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award

    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.

  • Dominican Republic partners with Ghana to improve prison system

    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.