Central America

The Dominican Republic will begin constructing a fence along its 376-kilometre border with Haiti later this year to curb unauthorized migration and illicit trade, President Luis Abinader announced on Saturday. Abinader said the barrier would help curb illegal immigration, drugs and the flow of stolen vehicles between the two countries, which share the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

"In a period of two years, we want to put an end to the serious problems of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and the movement of stolen vehicles," Abinader said in a presentation to Congress.

It is estimated that about 500,000 Haitian migrants are living in the country - many of them there illegally.

Sandra Mason, Barbados Governor-General, announced Tuesday the country would move "toward full sovereignty and become a Republic" by November 30, 2021, and will remove Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated: "The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence."

On Tuesday, Juan Orlando Hernández, president of Honduras, announced in a televised speech that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and that he would be working remotely while receiving treatment. His wife Ana Garcia de Hernández and two of his aides have also tested positive for Covid-19 and are being treated.